Patients who need treatment for any haematology issue can have an initial consultation in Bowral but those who do not have private health insurance are required to travel to Liverpool, Sydney or Campbelltown for further care. 

The Southern Highlands Private Hospital was recently in negotiations with the public system to have Bowral and District Hospital pay a fee so public patients could be treated at the cancer centre.

This arrangement already happens with oncology treatment. 

However the negotiations fell through earlier this year.

Both the Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell and Member for Goulburn Pru Goward have contacted the Minster for Health Jillian Skinner about the issue.

Mr Rowell received a reply from the minister.

The letter stated that “Ms Amanda Larkin, Chief Executive, South Western Sydney Local Health District has advised [that] the district is committed to providing safe, quality care to patients”.

The issue was originally raised by the Southern Highlands Cancer Leadership committee.

Ms Goward passed the committee’s letter on to the minister also and said she would also raise these concerns with the Local Health District.

At present, two haematology clinics are held each month at Bowral and District Hospital.

Mr Rowell said he hoped the situation would soon be resolved.